Doing Business in Norway

Norway is an egalitarian society with flat hierarchies and power structures that do not keep management and employees estranged. Norwegians often work across hierarchies rather than down through the line. The leadership style is informal and is based on employee freedom with responsibility.

Despite some initial cultural differences, expats should find Norway an easy country in which to do business. Expats employed in Norway typically work in one of the country's key economic industries, such as oil and gas, fish farming, industrial fishing, mineral processing, hydroelectric power, shipping and shipbuilding. Across all sectors, it's helpful to be familiar with the dos and don'ts in the Norwegian workplace.

---

Fast facts

Business hours

Monday to Friday, from 8am to 4pm.

Business language

Norwegian, but English is spoken throughout with a high degree of fluency.

Dress

Business dress is determined largely by industry. The banking, finance and sales sectors are more formal and often require a suit, while technical staff may have a more casual dress code.

Gifts

Many companies have a policy restricting their employees from receiving gifts. If an expat wants to give a business connection a gift, it is better to invite them out for lunch or dinner instead.

Gender equality

Norway is a fully equal society; women doing business in Norway will receive the same treatment as men.

Greeting

Most Norwegians use first names in a business setting after the first introduction. Males and females shake hands as equals, but can also greet without shaking hands daily.

---

Business culture in Norway

Business culture in Norway tends to be relaxed and informal, and quite unstructured. Coffee breaks are regular and socialising and having fun at work are encouraged, as it is believed that cheerful employees will be more productive. Norwegians have a strong balance between work and leisure, and most people leave the office at 4pm.

Egalitarianism

The key to successfully doing business in Norway is understanding the concept of egalitarianism, a belief in the inherent equality of people. Everybody feels like they can interact directly with everybody else in this Scandinavian country. In line with this principle, Norwegians tend to establish direct contact with the person who can get things moving, rather than doing everything through the line. Egalitarianism also means that excessive displays of wealth are likely to be considered inappropriate and in bad taste.

Decision-making

The hierarchy is often quite flat, and decision-making models are based on consensus and compromise. Decisions may take a long time as many people's opinions have to be accounted for. Expats are expected to participate in the discussions and need to bear in mind that decision-making may be a slow process in Norway. Norwegians are generally not afraid to voice their opinions and disagree with their boss. This is another likely consequence of the country's egalitarian society, strong job protection laws and extensive social welfare system.

Management style

The Norwegian management style is based on freedom with responsibility; a leader is more likely to delegate tasks to be solved than to give detailed orders. The leader does not micromanage and will usually give the subordinate freedom to figure out how and when to solve the task as long as it is completed within the deadline. Norwegian employees are accustomed to this management style, but they also understand that it demands an inherent sense of responsibility and accountability.

Meetings

Meetings in Norway will start on time and will frequently address points of business quickly, with only a few minutes of cursory small talk beforehand, which is typically done before everybody is in place. Meetings are typically conducted informally and often without any note-taking or minute-keeping.

---

Dos and don’ts of business in Norway

• Do be on time for meetings and private appointments; punctuality is critical

• Do advise of delays of more than five minutes

• Do get down to business after only a few minutes of small talk

• Do be honest and forthright

• Do dress smartly when going out in the evening for planned events

• Don't say yes if asked to do something that cannot be delivered on

• Don't stand too close; personal space should be respected